What happened
On 26 September 2009, a Beechcraft Baron B58, registration N27MW, was conducting a private flight at Guernsey Airport. While the pilot was performing a touch-and-go maneuver on Runway 09, a critical error occurred during the transition between landing and takeoff. Instead of deploying the flaps as intended, the pilot accidentally retracted the landing gear.
This error led to an impact with the runway surface, causing significant damage to the aircraft's engines, propellers, and landing gear. There were two people on board the aircraft, including the pilot; however, there were no injuries reported following the incident.
The investigation
The investigation, which was based on the accident report submitted by the pilot, focused on the sequence of actions taken during the touch-and-go procedure. Investigators examined the cockpit configuration and the pilot's actions during the critical moments of the maneuver. The findings confirmed that the mechanical systems functioned as designed, but were operated incorrectly by the crew.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the inadvertent retraction of the landing gear during the touch-and-go sequence.
- The pilot mistakenly operated the landing gear lever instead of the flap lever.